The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-03-15
IMPROVED PROSPECTS
FOR COUNTY ASSISTANCE OF THE
MIDLAND RAILROAD,
Mr.. John Z. Randle Warmly and
Logically Esp0uses the
eau. e.

eide whether or not to submit the
Midland rsilToad subscription to vote
OF the people. At this stage OF the
ssue, and from all the information at
hand, il is almost certain the people
will have 10 settle the matter. 1t is
also more than probable the bonds
will be voted by large msjority, not
withstsnding the opposition OF few
of the magistrates. They prefer to
clear their skirts OF any liability to
censure in case OF future dissatisfac-
ton over the result.
During the past few days a marked
change ia public sentiment regarding
the issuance OF the bonds has taken
place. People who we've at g st OPP
posed to t5e county aid have per-
ceivsd the error Of their convictions
aud now are among the walmest sup
porters Of the project. This is, OF
course, due TO thoughtful consldera-
ton of the question in all its bearings
A rid regard for the county 8 interest
prompted objection 10 any liability al
first, and this is commendable to the
intelligence and integrity of the oppo-
nents. But full and free discussion
in which the overwhelming sdvan-
tsges Of the road were made known,
has served to make the bitterest oppo-
nents as outspoken on the other side.
In order to thoroughly enlighten the
people and place them 10 position to
make no mistake when the time for
voting arrives, the APPEAL will con-
tinue the canvass, securing the views
OF men who hold and maintain the
respect and esteem Of the community
40 leaders in their respective profess
sions and branches of business. Mer-
chants, lawyers and real estate men
have, to large extent, spoken in favor
it, and yesterday representative, in
the person of Mr.. j. E. Raudle, was
solicited for an expression of opinion.
He replied substantially as follows:
ave have expended great deal OF
money in other railroads, and also in
swsnps, with results, in most cases,
unsatisfactory to thoee who look only
for immediate return in kind. While
in this sense the expenditure was vir-
tually given away, in another it was
not. We have the interest benefits,
and to such an extent that no COM
plant should be made. The railroads
are here, paying taxes, extending the
commerce Of the city and giving en-
ployment to a large number Of people.
The swamps have been opened up to
agriculture, and facilities for handling
the products provided. This looks to
me ike substantial repayment for the
assistance rendered.
1.-THE object in asking the county to
subscribe ia not altogether for the
mere matter of pecuniary aid. By
asking that the road also intended to
enlist the sympathies OF the people by
making them parties in interest. II
ineures good faith for all time to come,
and is a guarantee that the two inter-
ests will pull together in harmony. In
such an enormous enterprise as the
Midland will be, this cuts more
prominent figure than the cash thereby
secured. 1t would make the people
alive to the welfare and prosperity Of
the road, and thus add to it's stability.
ave have three outlets eastward al.
ready, but what we want is more.
There ia really very little competition
between the three, for the new road
would traverie territory almost mac
cetsible to Memphis. The products of
this region, from the fact of their be-
lag necessarily controlled by the Hi
nois Central, now 70 to New Orleans,
St Louis or Chicsgo. The business
riehtfully belongs to Memphis, but in
the face of railroad determination
cannot be secured. The Charleston
rosd, at one time the pst of Memphis,
is no longer so on account OF the re-
peated charges in ownership, which
served to shut out our interest. But
we still have the road, its rolling stock,
terminal business, depots, etc, Tor tax
alton, and in that respect it is etill a
valuable property.
Il am irie to ray that II We had to
pay the cost before anything Was in
existence to show for it, | would be
one of the moet unrelentirg oppo-
nents. But when it is assured that
the road will be completed and in
running order through West Tonnes
see, with a full supply Of rolling stock
and other necessary equipments, be
fore thsy ask for one dollar oil the sub
scription, am heartily in favor oil
votirg it, There is guarantee against
the money being thrown away, and
even should it be swallowed up after
ward, we have the property here for
taxation. With these precautions
there can he no mistake in granting
the RI queste6 assistance.
"BuJ there is another consideration,
aud probably the strongest one, why
we should help build the road and en-.
courage the promoters to construct il
as speedily as possible. The cotton in
terests of Memphis are in the hands Of
shreWd business men, who are able
and have the money to look out fol
themselves. Daring the summer
when there is nothing doing in theil
line, they can go away and spend two
or three months in recreation and
pleasure. But this is not the case
with mechanics ard the manufacturer
whose business requires his constant
attention. The Midland road will
penetrate and open up to the contro
OF Memphis vast coal and mineral re
gions, thereby attracting capital iol
more manufactures. This will give
an army of mech anic5 steady employ
meUt, at comfortable wages, and that
where Memphis needs stimulating
The cotton men are here numerousll
and we'll fortified, bu' they do no
make a city. Manufactures are badl!
needed, the means OF securing then
within easy reach, and the Midland
road would do more toward supplyinI
that deficiency than any one now run
ming into the city"
Mr.. Randle needs no euloGisiic in
PRODUCTION to the people oil Memphis
and his views always carry with then
great weight. He came 10 this cit
thirty years ego, a poor young man
aud began his career as q machiDist
founding on a small scale the presen
establishment over which he pTesidet
By skill, integrity and perseverance, b
hes built up an institution that is
credit 10 the city, county, State an
Southwest. His pay roll ranges be
tween $1,000 and 1880 per week, 81
he supports at the smallest calculstio
500 persons. In the Legislative Cour